This comes amid reports of the administration considering a full strategy review for the Afghan War, as nearly a year after President Trump’s announced escalation, things are still going poorly. With no real chances for a military victory, officials are hoping to try to get back to the negotiating table.

President Ghani’s interest in trying to negotiate a settlement, with or without the US, likely reflects the reality that the war isn’t going well, and escalations aren’t making a difference. The White House may have decided that it would look better for them to at least take part in these talks, instead of the deal being made over their objections.